Ok, great so you know that song, but don't recognize the band the Fortunes? From 1963 to 1977, they released 24 singles, 3 of which broke into the Top 40 on Billboard. (1965's "You've Got Troubles (#7) and "Here it Comes Again" (#27) as well as today's featured song (#15)) The Fortunes also covered Jacques Brel's 1961 release " Seasons in the Sun ", a song that would go to #1 for Canadian singer Terry Jacks in 1974.
Perhaps the reason the sound of The Fortunes is so familiar is that from 1969-1975 they were the jingle performers and writers for Coca Cola: COCA-COLA - It's the real thing! - THE FORTUNES (complete jingle, 1969) Commercial adverts - The Fortunes Coca Cola Coke Jingles Their legacy, however, is cemented on those 3 top 40 hits.
None of the original members of The Fortunes are a part of the touring band that continues to perform in 60's theater shows. The current lineup recorded a live album in 2015 from one of those shows. The member with the most tenure with the band, Michael Smithman, has been with The Fortunes since 1983. But he was adequately trained by founding member, Rod Allen, who continued with the band until 2008. After 56 years, I would imagine Rod had a few memories of Sunday...
Before we begin the nonbiographical, "things that make you wanna go hmmm..." portion of Tuesday's Musical Notes, we must issue this disclaimer. Please understand that what follows is not a conversation about mental illness. The Notes realizes that there are medical issues that go way past the scope of our blog and we pray for those who are serving in the fields to assist those who are afflicted with diseases of the mind. These conditions and disorders are as equally crippling as diseases of any other bodily organ. These issues go so much further than a rainy day feeling and are far past our expertise. If you think you are suffering from a form of mental illness, please seek help from a qualified physician in that field. Now we return you to your regularly scheduled fun, insightful, and entertaining blog. (can I get a witness?!)
Everyone has those days. You know the kind I'm talking about. Nothing seems to go the way it should. It seems that you run into roadblocks with every step forward you attempt to make and if it isn't gotten under control, the tears could be falling like rain. Long term exposure to such days can be devastating to one's life and lead to clinical depression, a growing problem in our world.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines Major Depression as: a mood disorder. It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration get in the way of your life over a long period of time. It also changes how your body works. This entity affirms that most everyone will suffer from brief periods of depression over their lifetimes.
Is this a new thing? Do we currently exist in a generation of folks who just can't cope? Can we take steps to guard against depression? "People seem to know, the loneliness will show..." With these questions and thought in mind, what are we to do?
As per usual here in the land of metered musings, we turn to The Source of all things. It is a sure thing that the One who created us, who knows the very number of the hairs on our head, and who made a way for us to be with Him in eternity future has a way out of those days the clouds appear and take away the sunshine.
The Bible is replete with characters that suffered depression. The most profound books about depression are Job and Lamentations.
The entire poetical book of Job was written by one who was suffering under what seemed to be unbearable situations. "I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul." Job 10:1 Those kind of thoughts will really set you reeling! He was a man who had everything. Then suddenly he was left with nothing but a few well-intentioned friends and his wife who gave him some pretty awful advice. If you happen to have a rainy day coming up, have a couple of hours, and your mental state is in a pretty positive place, read the entire book of Job - New American Standard Bible/The Message paraphrase of the Bible/King James Version of the Bible parallel.
It seems Job lost everything. But if you continue to read his story you soon see he had not lost the hope and faith he had in his Redeemer. He would not admit to a sin that he did not do, nor would he curse God and succumb to the wiles of the enemy. Because of Job's faithfulness and trust in God, He was eventually restored, after about 40 chapters of bad advice from his wife and friends.
Job wasn't the only Bible character who suffered to the point of depression. Here is an article that tells the stories of a few more Biblical characters who had that "rainy day feeling": 7 Bible Figures Who Struggled with Depression by Debbie McDaniel - crosswalk.com June 5, 2017
For believers, when you have that rainy day feeling again, remember whose you are. For those without a restored relationship with God, let me assure you that through Holy Spirit, He cries out, "Your face is always on my mind, I'm hoping soon you're gonna find, your way back to Me..."
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving You,
randy
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